Dental implants

Dental implants: How and why?

Dental implants are used to restore the defects of losing one or more natural teeth. A titanium screw is placed into the jawbone and then a crown is fitted directly to it. In case of individual defects the healthy teeth next to them don’t have to be disturbed as when inserting a bridge. In this way healthy dental tissues are preserved and the implant looks no different than the natural teeth. Different kinds of crowns – zirconia, non-metal ceramic or metal ceramic. The implantologist will choose the best suitable implant according to the jawbone. The specialists at our clinic recommend first-rate Swiss Straumann dental implants the quality of which is approved by scientific research as well as long-time Lithuanian and international doctor’s experience and good patient reviews.

Even though dental implantation is a longer procedure compared to other types of prostheses it is still usually the first choice after having evaluated the general condition of the patient’s mouth and considering that the healthy natural teeth are preserved. Generally the procedure lasts from 3 to 6 months depending on which jaw is getting the implant. The upper jaw takes less time than the lower jaw. The doctor thoroughly analyses and evaluates the bone and gum condition since on it depend the success of the operation and the longevity of the implant. “Odonteja” specialists recommend to choose dental implantation despite the longer treatment because with this method healthy dental tissues are spared and dental implants are in general more durable.

If there is not enough bone a bone graft procedure can be applied. It can be required both in the upper and the lower jawbones. For the upper jaw the position of the sinus floor must be evaluated. A low sinus floor in the upper jaw when a thin and insufficient bone layer is left is thickened with help of the sinus augmentation procedure – sinus lift. What type of sinus lift procedure is chosen – direct or indirect – will be determined by the doctor after the evaluation of the patient’s condition.

Another important component are the gums their position and type. If the gums are thick and strong it will look better comparing to thin and fragile. This has to be evaluated and explained by the doctor especially in cases of front teeth where the higher aesthetics are more required.

Dental implants – the best alternative to dentures

Implantation is an excellent method in the case of toothless jaws when one or more dental implants greatly improve the attachment of removable dentures. Implantation is applied to toothless patients with removable dentures to achieve a better attachment of the dentures. Specially constructed locks are attached to the removable denture which then fixes onto the implant stabilising the denture. This can be applied to both jawbones.

If the patient wanted to swap the removable denture for a fixed one 6 to 8 implants in one jawbone allow to fix a chosen unremovable bridge. This solves the problem and the patient can enjoy a nice smile for many years with no worries.

Oral surgeons at “Odonteja” are waiting for you with the best offers specially for you!